UTC Aerospace Systems lays off employees

A local manufacturing hub for airplane parts, formerly known as Goodrich Aerostructures, is laying off dozens of workers this week in order to save its new parent money.

UTC Aerospace Systems, a top supplier of aerospace and defense products, will lay off 30 full-time employees at its Chula Vista-based aerostructures business on Jan. 16, according to a notice filed with the state.

“We continuously assess our staffing needs to better align our organization with current business requirements, while continuing to focus on sustained growth for the future,” said Patrick Palmer, a spokesman for the aerostructures unit.

Employees at 850 Lagoon Drive were notified in mid-November they would be let go, he said.

UTC Aerospace Systems was formed in 2012 through the acquisition of Goodrich Corp., which combined with aircraft systems giant Hamilton Sundstrand.

The result was a powerhouse in the aircraft, UAV, satellite and ground and naval vehicle spaces.

The aerostructures business unit is responsible for the design, testing, and manufacture of nacelle systems for a variety of commercial and military platforms.

Last March, its Chula Vista work force made headlines when the new Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner touched down to much fanfare at Lindbergh Field.

Goodrich and Hamilton Sundstrand's Kearny Mesa team helped build the next-generation aircraft, which is now used for a new San Diego-Tokyo route -- the first-ever nonstop flight between San Diego and Asia.

The quiet airliner has its nacelles to thank, which have an acoustic liner with two-and-a-half million holes that result in a significant reduction in engine noise.